• A new arXiv paper, “Acceleration of Deep NN Training with Resistive Cross-Point Devices” (http://arxiv.org/abs/1603.07341), was shared as a potential hardware route to dramatically speed up deep-neural-network training.  
• Gen9 announced a next-generation DNA-synthesis platform offering gene-length constructs (up to 10 kbp) for US $0.03 per base pair, a price drop that could accelerate open-source synthetic-biology projects (http://synbiobeta.com/gen9-announces-next-generation-biofab-dna-synthesis-platform/).  
• Discussion of personal protective equipment included a preference for “bad-ass motorcycle helmets” over dated styles and explicit plans to acquire and use a Class-3 hazmat suit, with an FBI reference image (http://web.archive.org/web/20080708235522/http://www.fbi.gov/hq/nsb/wmd/images/hrtppe.jpg) provided as an example.  
• Nancy Kress’s 1993 transhumanist novel “Beggars in Spain” was looked up via the channel bot, highlighting its relevance to ongoing conversations about genetic enhancement and post-scarcity economics.